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You may recall my thread: http://cafesaxophone.com/showthread.php?9478-Buffet-Crampon-BC8401-matt-Alto-Anyone-know-it
Well, the reason I was asking is that soon after my wife bought me the Jupiter for Christmas, and I'd done some GAS research on t'internet, it was the Buffet 400 series in matt finish that looked on paper (or screen) to be a great buy. But £850 new was too steep for me. However, a couple of weeks ago I came across a 2nd hand one which I have now managed to purchase, at a distance (always dangerous!). The seller told me it was in excellent condition with no marks or tarnishing. It arrived this morning.
See photos: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/slideshow/24311168
The seller bought it from Prozone in Jan 2010 where it had been a demo model, hence my questioning her about condition. As you can see, it has a "rash" all over, and not just in the engraving which I understand is a problem with all saxes engraved after being lacquered. Perhaps the previous owner bought it in the same condition, thinking the rash was part of the vintage look? I think it has been stored a while as it has that musty smell to it, and that's what may have caused the freckles.
I took it to my sax tech this morning when I collected my Vito and he said it was very well made, airtight, played very nicely and there was absolutely nothing needing fettling. Good going if it has been stored.
I had a play, up against the 60 year old just serviced Vito, Yamaha YAS-275, and Jericho J6 (still on loan) and the Buffet surpassed them all with ease. it's just so easy to play well, taking away any bum notes or slight mis-keying I'd experienced with any of the others.
So.... bearing in mind I could send it back to the seller on a PayPal claim and get my money back as it's been misdescribed, should I do that? Or should I accept that any sax will deteriorate over time and because this already has some tarnishing I don't have to be so worried about any marks appearing as I would be with a pristine new one?
Bearing in mind Paul here paid £700 for a new one, what do you think I should have paid for this used one in its present condition? i.e. what's it worth? Love the sound, love the feel, not loving the look! What would YOU have paid, especially if you have the same model?
Whilst at my sax tech, he showed me an old Selmer in a far worse cosmetic state, and a 2 year old TJ "Raw" tenor which was going green in places (but then it's supposed to!). My Vito is also worn but it's allowed to be at its age. Should a three year old sax have a doubly "vintage" look?
Thanks for any comments or suggestions. I need to act fast to notify the seller if I'm going to send it back. Or I could ask for a partial refund I guess?
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